I am at Whistler watching “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” an old but great movie – quite creepy. It is so seldom that I am alone that it is taking some getting use to. I’m here editing a book for someone, and the edit is going very well – no interruptions. It is lovely and quiet here, so quiet and I am sleeping better than I’ve slept in ages. I have a lot of projects on the go, and this is a chance to finish one so I can really focus on the next.

I have this gorgeous suite overlooking a pool and bordered by trees in the middle of shedding their leaves. I love the shoulder season – hardly any people, no hype, just me and the trees and the mountain air.

I can hardly believe Jen’s wedding is already a few weeks gone…all that planning and back to life. She is happy, Nick is happy, so we are thrilled. Now it’s time to create a book. I’m off to Val David after Thanksgiving for a writer’s festival and looking forward to returning to Quebec and French and really incredible food and friends. So I haven’t had loads of time to post lately, but hope to get back to it – starting now! Ideas brewing…

A great review makes for a great day! My publisher, Second Story Press, forwarded me this strong review from Resource Links, (Connecting Classrooms, libraries and Canadian Learning Resources). BURTINSHAW, Julie Saying Good-bye to London Second Story Press, 2017. 262p. Gr. … Continue reading →

I’ve been working with Amos Ojwang on an anthology of short stories written by students who participated in the University of Iowa’s online course, Writing Identities and Social Issues in Fiction and Nonfiction. After months of reading then choosing stories … Continue reading →

CALL FOR POETRY SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ANTHOLOGY Anthology of Poems out of America and Beyond Boarders Edited by Amos O. Ojwang’ and Julie Burtinshaw SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES Submissions should be done through Email as an attachment. Submissions, editing and … Continue reading →

I am really pleased with this review from Booklist for my latest book Saying Goodbye to London (Second Story Press) Shy Francis is so stunned when Sawyer asks him to dance that he can’t not accept. “I think we’re going … Continue reading →

I’m thrilled to share the first review on the Advance Copy of my new book Saying Goodbye to London. (Second Story Press) My fellow writers will know the work involved in seeing a new book coming to life! I’m beaming all over … Continue reading →

I enjoyed Assignment 5 – basically I took assignment number 1 and fragmented it. Lots of fun experimentation. Between the offer of a cup of tea and her departure there exists a lifetime of untold stories. You don’t want to … Continue reading →

Assignment 1: University of Iowa Free Online Course How Writers Write I offer her a cup of tea, because this is what her type expects. Of course, she refuses in the way that people do when they want something. There … Continue reading →

I’ve recently signed up for a writing course from the University of Iowa. If your interested it’s free, or at the most $50 USD if you want a certificate at the end of the course. Students come from all over … Continue reading →

It’s hard to believe but my residency at Stiwido Maelor, in Corris, Wales is coming to a close. It’s been a very successful, inspiring and wonderful three weeks. During that time, I’ve managed to edit and submit the almost final … Continue reading →

One of the greatest gifts a writer can have is being invited to spend time in a Residency. Last year, I applied and was accepted to an International Writers’ Residency in Wales. The process of applying seems so long ago, … Continue reading →